Chapin launches iPod program
By E. Mendelsohn
This week, Class 8 students (Class of 2010) will once again be pioneering the technology trails at Chapin. Instead of being asked to put away their iPods, students will actually use iPods and iTalk devices as part of their core curriculum for foreign language and computer proficiency classes. “All right class; it’s time to take out your iPods,” may soon become a familiar request.
The iPod program, a joint venture of the technology and foreign language departments, will teach students how to use the full range of capabilities on their iPods and iTalk devices and allow them to practice listening and speaking foreign languages outside of the classroom. Teachers and students were prepared with the practical and philosophical issues of the iPod. Last year, Lynne Schalman and Neil Martinez provided extensive training for the foreign language teachers. They learned about copyright issues associated with file sharing and practical skills such as how to use iTalk, a microphone and speaker device that allows students to record themselves on the iPod.
Two years ago, the Class of 2010 pioneered LIP, or the Laptop Immersion Program. This program provides Class 6 with laptops in school throughout the year. In the hopes of expanding upon this program, the technology department has added a technology-related project each year. Last year in class 7, the class of 2010 participated in a two-day workshop where they built computers. These programs will allow the Class of 2010 and each succeeding class to develop and strengthen their tech skills with each grade.
Although some students expressed apprehension about the added responsibility of an iPod, most Class 8 students look forward to picking up new skills and studying possibilities. A class 8 student, expressed her enthusiasm saying, “I am excited to be incorporating modern technology into schoolwork… I am looking forward to seeing what we can do with the iPod.”
More information on Chapin's iPod program is available at http://gatornet.chapin.edu/~techmsus/ipods/
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